Inserts and Diseases, 



145 



Fig, 178. 



containing three to five hundred each, encircling the smaller 

 branches, and usually within a few inches of 

 the extremity. The accompanying figure (Fig. 

 178) represents one of these masses of eggs 

 of the natural size. They remain through 

 winter, protected from the weather by a vesicu- 

 lar water-proof varnish, and hatch in spring, 

 as just stated. Each collection of eggs makes 

 a nest of caterpillars. 



One nest is enough to defoliate a large 

 branch, and when several are on a tree, the 

 size and quality of the fruit are seriously less- 

 ened. 



The best mode for their destruction, is to 

 cut off the small branches which hold the eggs 

 during autumn or winter, and commit them to 

 the fire. The most convenient implement is a 

 long pole, armed with a pair of clipping- 

 shears, worked by a cord ; or a sharp hooked 

 knife, on the end of a pole, will answer nearly 

 as well. The eggs are seen at a glance, after 

 a little practice. If this work is done just at the moment the eggs 

 are hatching, it will be equally efficacious, and the webs or downy 

 covering of the young insects render them conspicuous. Every 

 nest of eggs thus removed, which is done in a few seconds, totally 

 prevents a nest of caterpillars in the spring, and is far more expedi- 

 tious and effectual than the usual modes of brushing off the cater- 

 pillars with poles, brushes, or washing them with soap-suds, lye, 

 or whitewash at a later period. 



Dr. Fitch says : " If sulphur be dusted upon the leaves it 

 increases the appetite of the caterpillars, whereby they eat the 

 leaves more greedily and grow more rapidly. Yet it has been pub- 

 lished as a remedy for these caterpillars, to bore a hole in the trunk 

 of the tree and fill it with sulphur ! " The best remedy is, to be on 

 the look-out for the nests of these caterpillars. 



The Borer (Saperda bivittata). This insect enters the tree 

 and cuts into the solid wood near the surface of the earth. It is a 

 dangerous enemy ; for while only a few small holes are perceived in 

 the bark outside, it may have perforated the wood internally in all 

 directions and reduced it to a mass of powder. 



Not only the apple-tree, but the quince, mountain ash, and haw- 

 thorn, suffer greatly from the attacks of this insect. 



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